The Permafrost Young Researchers Network (PYRN) has elected Zhai Jinbang, a 2020 PhD student in Transportation Engineering in the School of Transportation, and Li Xianglong, a 2021 PhD student in Forestry Engineering in the School of Civil Engineering, as executive members of the PYRN for the period 2022-2024. There are seven executive members for the 2022-2024 term from China (two from Northeast Forestry University), the United States (one from the University of Alaska, one from Stockholm University and one from Northern Arizona University), Russia (one from Lomonosov Moscow State University) and India (one from Sastra University). The network meeting was organised by Adam Kirkwood, Chair of the 2020-2022 Executive team from Laurentian University, Canada.

PYRN was created in November 2005 as an international scientific organisation (network) of young permafrost scholars under the International Permafrost Association-IPA, with the main objective of providing a platform for young cryospheric researchers to exchange knowledge and experience. PYRN was launched during the 4th International Polar Year (IPY) with the aim of guiding young researchers through the organisation to understand, appreciate and address the challenges of climate change related to permafrost on a global scale. PYRN was launched in November 2005 at the International Conference on Arctic Planning (ICAP). It has grown steadily with the involvement of young permafrost scholars from around the world and now has 1,196 permafrost researchers and educators worldwide. The organisation has partnerships with major organisations such as Climate and Cryosphere-CliC and IPA, and carries out its official activities under the guidance of the International Permafrost Association.

Both of our students are international joint PhD students supported by the “Joint Training of Postgraduate Students by Chinese and Foreign Supervisors” programme under the framework of the International Industry-University-Research-Use Cooperation Conference of the International Department of the Ministry of Education. They will also enhance the overall visibility of the University in the field of permafrost research.